Adromischus caryophyllaceus is a small, slow-growing succulent that is native to the Western Cape of South Africa. This charming little plant features leaves that vary greatly in shape and size. Flower color can also vary depending on the specific locality within its native habitat.
Taxonomy of Adromischus caryophyllaceus
Scientific Name
Adromischus caryophyllaceus (Burm.f.) Lem.
Synonym(s)
Adromischus bolusii, Adromischus grandiflorus, Adromischus jasminiflorus, Cotyledon bolusii, Cotyledon caryophyllacea, Cotyledon jasminiflora
Common Name(s)
Nentabossie (Little Nenta Bush) in Afrikaans.
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Adromischus
Etymology
The generic name "Adromischus" (pronounced "ad-roh-MIS-kus") means "stout-pedicelled" and refers to the short, stout flower stalks (pedicels) of plants in the genus.
The specific epithet "caryophyllaceus" (pronounced "kar-ee-oh-fil-AY-see-us") means "clove-like; resembling a clove (the spice)" and refers to the plant's clove-like flowers.
Description
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is a small, usually slightly branched succulent with erect or decumbent branches that bear inversely egg-shaped to inversely triangular leaves. The plant has a tuberous rootstock that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Initially, the branches are green, but they turn grey-green as they age and can reach a diameter of up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). The leaves vary from green to greyish green and greyish brown, with white margins and without dark spots. They have a flat to convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, measuring up to 1.2 inches (3.5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
During midsummer and fall, Adromischus caryophyllaceus produces flowers arranged in inflorescences with one to several branches, each bearing 1 to 3 flowers. The inflorescences can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The flowers have a grey-green, funnel-shaped tube and five ovate-triangular lobes ranging from white to pink, usually with a mauve- to deep plum-colored midstripe. The corolla tube is up to 0.8 inches (2 cm), while the lobes can reach up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in length.
Origin
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is native to South Africa. It grows on dry, rocky slopes in the shade of shrubs from near Robertson to near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape province.
How to Grow and Care for Adromischus caryophyllaceus
Light: Adromischus caryophyllaceus requires bright sunlight to thrive. If you grow it indoors, place it near a sunny window or use a grow light.
Soil: For optimal health, use well-draining soil. You can choose a commercial soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own.
Temperature: This plant tolerates high temperatures and cool, frost-free conditions in winter, as long as the soil stays dry. Adromischus caryophyllaceus grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: During the growing season, water the plant deeply enough for water to run out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In winter, suspend watering the plant.
Fertilizing: Feed your plant with a water-soluble fertilizer only during the growing season to promote optimal growth.
Repotting: You don't need to repot this plant often. Repot it only when it outgrows its current pot or the pot becomes too shallow for its needs. Choose a pot with at least one drainage hole.
Propagation: You propagate Adromischus caryophyllaceus by stem cuttings, leaves, or seeds. Take cuttings during the growing season; spring is ideal for sowing seeds if you prefer to start the plant that way.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Adromischus.
Toxicity of Adromischus caryophyllaceus
Adromischus caryophyllaceus is non-toxic and safe in households with children and pets.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Adromischus.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.